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There was no good in lying. “Another captain would have gone in my stead. As it stands, I wasn’t the only captain making those runs. Just the most infamous.”
She pinned him with a look.
“I’m not excusing what I did. I did a lot of questionable things, but it’s the only reason I’m still alive today, so I can’t exactly regret it. But I’m not proud of it either.”
Back then, he hadn’t cared who he’d had to step on to make those credits. Life had been so much easier when Ulrek hadn’t cared for anyone except for those he considered his inner circle. But a pesky thing called morals had set hold since he’d started this new life.
Ulrektook a deep breath.“I’m sorry for taking you from Earth.”
He wasn’t so naïve to believe she’d accept his apology and forgive him, but he still had to say it.
After a long silence, she spoke, but she didn’t reply to his apology. Instead, she said, “I was one of the first ones taken. I heard things got really bad on Earth after.”
“They did. The Dominion did what they usually do when a planet tries to fight back: leveling entire cities, poisoning the water, mass public executions, anything to scare the people into obeying. It didn’t work. You humans just got angrier and fought harder. And last I heard, there are many ex-Dominions like me working with Earth now. But also humans who joined the Dominion for credits.”
“Some people on Reka 5 say that the Dominion lost the outer planets because Earth was giving them so much trouble.”
“That’s very plausible. I did warn them humans made horrible slaves. They didn’t listen.”
“Damn right.”
“Too willful. Too stubborn. Too intelligent.” And all the other characteristics Ulrek admired in a person. “They make exceptional crew and friends.” He grinned at Delaney. “And are a delight in my bed,” he said, trying to get off this very personal and difficult topic. His past was still a sore spot.
“You make a habit of sleeping with your crew? Or is that just the females?” She crossed her arms over her chest. Was that a hint of jealousy in her voice?
“I never sleep with crew.” Back with the Dominion, they’d been all male, and here in the outer planets, it was too complicated.
“Right, because I’m not really crew. I’m leaving the moment the council renders the verdict. And theywouldside with me.”
She didn’t know they’d already made the decision. Ulrek toyed briefly with the idea of not telling her but decided against it. She didn’t need more reasons to hate him.
“They already made the decision. The case got special consideration because I am me. The contract currently still stands, but you can terminate it anytime you wish.”
Delaney raised a brow. “And why are you telling me this when you could just take off with me on your ship none the wiser?”
“Because I’m giving you a choice. And I like you, Delaney. And not just in my bed. You’re resilient. You were displaced from your life, yet you worked your way back up. And even when you’re afraid, you don’t cower.”
Her face softened.
“You don’t have to make the decision yet. Stay on my ship until we have to leave. Get to know my crew. They are good people, you’ll like them. You can make the decision when it’s time.”
Delaney nodded. “That is a good compromise. I’ll take it. But only because you gave me a choice and because I want to know who’s crazy enough to work with you.”
Ulrek grinned at her little jab. “Good. But until you leave, you are mine to care for and pleasure. And pleasure you, I will.”
He crawled over her to straddle her hips and held her down by the throat. Her eyes went wide at their sudden change in position, and her hand came up to shove at his arm. She struggled to free herself even as the scent of her arousal rose to tease at his nostrils. The addictive scent and her writhing had him hard as granite in seconds.
“You like this, don’t you?”
She opened her mouth.
Before she could reply, he added, “Remember, I can smell your lust, and I can smell lies.”
She slammed her mouth shut, pressing her lips in a thin line.
“I thought so.”
Keeping her held down with one hand, he opened her legs and repositioned himself between them. He leaned over, bracing on one elbow and letting his heavy erection press against her mound as he nuzzled the side of her face. She was wet, and his cock slid deliciously against her slit, making her inhale sharply.
